Deciding Between a Water Filter and a Water Softener

Clean and safe drinking water is essential for maintaining good health. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to find contaminants such as bacteria, lead, arsenic, mercury, chlorine, and other industrial pollutants in our water. Poor water quality leads to various health issues, from minor ailments like stomach discomfort to serious conditions such as gastrointestinal infections and neurological problems.

Water filters and water softeners are two methods to help homeowners improve their water quality. Let’s explore these options and determine which is best for your home.

Getting Your Water Tested

First, test your household water for contaminants to ensure its safety. To do this, send a sample to a certified laboratory or use a testing kit from a home improvement retailer. If the test results indicate the presence of contaminants in your water, you will need to invest in a home water filtration system.

What Is a Water Filter?

A water filter is a device that uses physical or chemical processes to remove unwanted substances from water. The most common types of filters include carbon, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light filtration. Activated carbon filters use charcoal or another absorbent material to trap chemicals and bacteria from the water. Reverse osmosis systems use a specialized membrane to filter out impurities. Ultraviolet light filtration systems use UV-C light to destroy bacteria and viruses.

Benefits of a Water Filtration System

Here are a few reasons you should consider installing a water filtration system:

Enjoy Safe Drinking Water

Water filtration systems remove impurities and contaminants, making your household water safe for human consumption. They effectively lower chlorine, lead, mercury, and bacteria levels in your drinking water. In addition, they also reduce unpleasant aftertastes or foul odors often associated with high chlorine levels.

Prevent Skin Irritation

Chlorine-treated water is incredibly drying and irritating to individuals with sensitive skin. It strips away natural oils required to maintain optimal moisture levels, leaving skin flaky and itchy. It exacerbates skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, leading to itching, burning sensations, redness, and bleeding. A quality water filtration system reduces chlorine levels and contributes to smooth, supple skin.

Better for the Environment

Installing a water filtration system impacts the environment in a positive way. Without a filtration system, many households rely on bottled water. This contributes to the plastic pollution crisis, devastating our oceans and marine life. Moreover, the production, transportation, and disposal of single-use bottled water requires significant energy and resources, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Investing in a water filtration system reduces your carbon footprint and protects the planet. Additionally, filtering tap water requires much less energy and resources than producing bottled water, making it a more sustainable option for households.

What Is a Water Softener?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium ions from water. Softening water involves using salts and an ion exchange process to remove these ions, which are the primary cause of “hard,” mineral-laden water. Water softeners also reduce iron levels, providing better-tasting drinking water and improving appliance performance. Water softeners are available in a range of sizes for both residential and commercial applications.

Why Your Home Needs a Water Softener!

Hard water is a common issue for many homeowners and can have several detrimental effects. It can even lead to costly household repairs if not addressed.

Reduce Lime Buildup

Hard water, caused by a high concentration of minerals, can leave unsightly stains on your fixtures. High concentrations of minerals can also damage your pipes over time. A water softener removes excess minerals from your water supply to prevent lime buildup and extend the life of your plumbing fixtures.

Use Less Soap and Detergent

With high levels of calcium and magnesium, it is difficult for soap to lather properly. As a result, you may use more soap and detergent than necessary to get rid of dirt and grime on your clothing and dishes. A water softener removes these minerals and makes it easier for soap to lather. You will purchase less soap and detergent, and you might even money in the long run!

You Need Both a Water Filter and a Softener

A water filter and a softener address different issues, and both are essential for ensuring your home’s water supply is free of impurities and contaminants. Water filters remove particles, such as dirt, debris, and other suspended solids, from the water. On the other hand, a water softener reduces the hardness of water by removing magnesium and calcium ions. This process prevents buildup in pipes and appliances caused by hard water.

Contact a Pro!

[Company_name] is standing by to assess your water supply and recommend the best filter and softener for your home. In addition, to water quality services, we also offer a comprehensive list of plumbing services, including drain cleaning, septic tank cleaning, sump pumps, and sewer repairs. We also provide HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance, and indoor air quality services. Contact A To Z Dependable Services today to learn how to improve the water quality in your home!